Sudan War: El-Obeid Under Threat of Attack | Kordofan Crisis

Sudan Crisis: Hundreds of Thousands Displaced as Violence Escalates and Aid Funding Dries Up

The escalating conflict in Sudan has forced hundreds of thousands to flee their homes, with civilians resorting to desperate measures for survival, as humanitarian aid dwindles. A senior official with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) warned that people are not leaving Sudan by choice, but are “running just to find safety.”

Mass Displacement Driven by Fear and Violence

Recent reports indicate a dramatic surge in displacement across Sudan,fueled by ongoing clashes between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese army,which began in April 2023 following a collapse in the transition to civilian rule. The RSF, alongside allies in the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), have been accused of shelling residential buildings in Dilling, South Kordofan, within the last 48 hours.

The situation is especially dire in North Darfur, where the RSF overran El Fasher – the regional capital – on October 26th after a 500-day siege. More than 109,000 people have fled El Fasher and surrounding villages sence the city fell, according to the IOM’s displacement tracking matrix. Many remain stranded in neighboring villages, hampered by logistical challenges and ongoing security concerns. UN aid teams have warned that essential supplies have been “entirely obliterated” for those attempting to survive.

“Those displacements from Kordofan are not happening sporadically, they are happening as people are scared,” the IOM official stated.Fleeing civilians are now emerging from Babanusa, Kadugli, and El-Obeid, seeking refuge in areas like White Nile and Gedaref to the east – often consisting solely of women and children.

Did you know? – Sudan’s conflict began in April 2023 between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The fighting erupted after a power struggle between the two leaders, derailing a planned transition to civilian rule.

Growing Insecurity and Attacks on Peacekeepers

Deep insecurity and violence continue to plague Sudan, increasing risks to civilians and hindering humanitarian access. The situation in Kadugli, the capital of South Kordofan state, is of particular concern. Last Saturday, six peacekeepers from Bangladesh were killed in drone attacks while stationed at a logistics base supporting the UN force in Abyei, a disputed region bordering South Sudan.

Estimates suggest that between 90,000 and 100,000 people in Kadugli could be displaced if fighting intensifies and residents are unable to leave the city. El-Obeid, the capital of North Kordofan, is reportedly “one or two steps from being the next city under attack,” with projections indicating more than half a million people could be impacted.

Pro tip – Staying informed about the crisis is crucial. The IOM’s displacement tracking matrix provides updated data on displacement patterns within Sudan, offering insights into the scale and scope of the humanitarian emergency.

Critical Aid Funding Shortfalls Threaten Lifelines

The crisis is compounded by severe funding cuts to aid organizations operating in Sudan. The IOM alone has lost $83 million in resources. The IOM official explained, “So, we would go crossing places where we certainly know that people are absolutely in dire need, but we will leave them and not be able to help them as we have to prioritize those who are absolutely dying.” This highlights the agonizing choices aid workers face due to limited funding.

Reader question – What role do international actors play in mediating a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Sudan, and what more can be done to address the root causes of the violence?

Substantive News Report:

Why: The conflict in Sudan stems from a power struggle between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary rapid Support Forces (RSF) following the collapse of a transition to civilian rule in April 2023. This struggle has escalated